Teaching of occupational medicine to undergraduates in UK schools of medicine

OBJECTIVES: To assess any recent change in the commitment to occupational medicine teaching in UK undergraduate medical curricula. DESIGN: A questionnaire survey of the teaching of occupational medicine to undergraduates in all medical schools listed in the UK Universities and Colleges Admissions Service prospectus for 1999-2000 (n = 24). RESULTS: Nineteen UK schools medical schools returned a completed questionnaire, giving a response rate of 79%. A comparison of results from this survey with previous surveys of teaching of occupational medicine to undergraduates in the UK shows that fewer schools now provide lectures, project work or ward-based tuition in the subject. Workplace visits were not undertaken by any institution. Only two of the schools setting an examination question also had a syllabus. CONCLUSION: Despite the prominence given to issues related to occupational health in recent UK government policy, this study suggests a declining commitment to occupational medicine on the part of UK medical schools. Urgent action needs to be taken to address the lack of training in occupational medicine in UK medical schools.     

In vitro and in vivo antitumor properties of tetrakis((trishydroxy- methyl)phosphine)gold(I) chloride

A novel hydrophilic gold compound, tetrakis((trishydroxymethyl)phosphine)gold(I) chloride 1, has been investigated for its antitumor properties. In vitro studies demonstrate that 1 is active against HCT-15, AGS, PC-3, and LNCaP tumor cells. Cell cycle analysis of the HCT-15 cells by flow cytometry revealed elongation of the G1 phase of the cell cycle leading to growth inhibition. Administration of 1 to Balb/C mice inoculated with syngenic meth/A cells demonstrated statistically significant dose-dependent survival time.     

Bilateral subdural effusions related to disease activity in familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis in an 8-month-old infant

An 8-month-old girl had classic features of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). A presumptive diagnosis of familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis was made on the basis of her age and the presence of parental consanguinity. In view of abnormal neurologic findings at presentation, a magnetic resonance imaging scan was performed and showed bilateral proteinaceous subdural effusions. These resolved within 1 week of commencement of chemotherapy for the primary condition. These subdural effusions were the only objective documentations of central nervous system involvement, along with an increased cerebrospinal fluid protein level. We also report other radiologic findings of HLH, which are of use in strengthening this diagnosis in individuals in whom the diagnosis is strongly suspected.     

Idiopathic central serous chorioretinopathy--a physical complication of stress?

The adverse psychological sequelae of stress are well recognized by occupational health specialists. Potential adverse physical effects, such as ischaemic heart disease, are more contentious but are biologically plausible. This report outlines a case of idiopathic central serous chorioretinopathy (ICSC), an uncommon but potentially sight-threatening condition, which is widely accepted amongst ophthalmologists to be stress related. The condition is not referred to in standard occupational health texts or databases. The report includes a brief review of the ophthalmological literature on which the connection between ICSC and stress has been made, and a need for further research promoted.